People committed-to-fight-climate-change

Emma Näslund-Hadley, María Clara Ramos, Juan Paredes, Ángela Bolívar, and Gustavo Wilches-Chaux
Lesson Plans for Children and Youth
Rise Up Against Climate Change!
A school-centered educational initiative
of the Inter-American Development Bank
People Committed
to Fight Climate Change
Topic 9:

Rise Up Lesson Plans
Our Climate Is Changing
Energize!
Water to Treasure
Intelligent Consumption
Sustainable Cities for Smart Urban
Growth
You Are What You Eat
Ensuring Healthy Environments
Protecting the Land
People Committed to Fight Climate
Change
A school-centered
educational initiative
of the Inter-American
Development Bank
Developed by Emma Näslund-Hadley, María Clara Ramos,
Juan Paredes, Ángela Bolívar, and Gustavo Wilches-Chaux
Editor: Steven Kennedy
Design and illustration: Sebastián Sanabria
Copyright © 2016 Inter-American Development Bank. This work
is licensed under a Creative Commons IGO 3.0 Attribution-
NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO) license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/legalcode)
and may be reproduced with attribution to the IDB and for any
non-commercial purpose.
No derivative work is allowed.
Any dispute related to the use of the works of the IDB that cannot
be settled amicably shall be submitted to arbitration pursuant to
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The link provided above includes additional terms and conditions
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The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Inter-American
Development Bank, its Board of Directors, or the countries they
represent.
2016

Rise Up is a climate change education initiative
of the Inter-American Development Bank that
seeks to encourage children and youth to use their
creativity and energy to come up with feasible,
sustainable, long-term strategies to mitigate and
adapt to climate change. This set of lesson plans is
one of nine on different climate change topics that
can be used independently or together with the
other lesson plans and materials of the Rise Up initiative, including instructional videos, learning games
and a Green School Toolkit. Each set of lesson plans includes an introductory text about the topic that can
serve as a background material for the teacher or as a text for older students. The lesson plans can be used
at the primary and secondary levels of education; they are divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced
plans to help each teacher determine what activities are appropriate for his or her students. To find all the
Rise Up materials please go to www.iadb.org/riseup
Against Climate Change
Rise Up
Emiliana Vegas, Chief, Education Division,
Inter-American Development Bank

People Committed to
Fight Climate Change
Contents
Lesson Plan 6
Environmental Management: Maria Elena Correa 9
Environmental Research and Education: Diego Mosquera 10
Risk Management: M.C. Carolina Neri 13
Conservation, Risk Management, Environmental Planning
and Participation: Rodrigo Tarquino 15
Environmental Engineering: Ángelica María Acero Díaz-Granados 17
Landscape Design: Eduardo Hinojosa 20
Responsible Consumption: Marcela Trujillo Useche 22
Permaculture: Jorge Espinosa 25

Environmental Management: Liliana Davila 27
Designer for Reuse: Angeles Estrada 29
Further reading and viewing 32

7
C
limate change presents huge challenges for humankind. Yet
within these challenges lie myriad opportunities for people
of all ages, including professional opportunities in exciting,
influential fields such as public administration, education, and
engineering. The interviews in this chapter will help your students
explore some of the possibilities for careers in the fields of climate
change, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Below are a few ideas about how to incorporate these interviews
into your curriculum. They can also be added to some of the
chapters in this course.1
1 The interviews were conducted in 2013. The interviewees may no longer
be working in the same jobs.
Time Place
1–2 hours Classroom, ideally with projection equipment
so that students can see the photos of the
interviewees. These are young people with
whom students will likely be able to identify.
Materials
»» The 10 interviews below can be used in 10 different classes.
The supplementary material includes the experiences
of people who were not interviewed for this project but
who are nonetheless interesting and can serve as good
examples for your class.
Preparation
Read the interviews. Links to relevant chapters will help you
decide whether to add them to the module you are working on
at any given point. Make two copies of each interview. If possible,
invite a local professional to class whose work closely relates to
that of the interviewee so that students can ask questions. Also,
review the interesting and inspiring talks and experiences in the
supplementary material.
Step by step
Project the interviewee’s picture, summarize his or her resume
aloud, and ask students: Why is this person’s career path
important?
»» Select two students to role-play the interview, one as the
interviewer and the other as the interviewee.
Lesson Plan

8
»» Have the two students read the interview.
»» Ask your students:
• What do you like best about this person’s daily life?
• How is this person contributing to the environment?
• What interested you most about the interview we just
read?
• What do you most dislike about this person’s
professional life?
• Would any of you like to explore or work in this field?
Why?
• Do you think it would be easy to work in this field? Why
or why not?
• What opportunities are there in our region in this field?
»» Ask: Did reading the interview bring to mind any new ideas
for a career path or occupation related to the environment
other than that of the interviewee?
»» Introduce the person you invited to the class, and ask him or
her to share something about his/her profession, the reality
of the region, and job opportunities.
»» Invite students to ask questions.
»» Tell your students: “Today, it’s not only conservationists and
environmentalists who need to think about the environment
and sustainable development. We all have to think about it
from many different perspectives and in every profession.
Mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change
require professionals from all areas.”
Tip for the teacher
Field trips are an interesting way to learn about peoples’ daily work.
If possible, ask your guests to invite the class to join him or her for a
day in the field.
Formative assessment
Rather than testing students on what they have learned, have your
students write a paper addressing the following questions:
»» Would you like to work in environmental protection?
»» Which type of work would you like to do in the fields of
climate change, environmental protection, or sustainable
development?
»» Research your chosen career and describe what your daily
work would entail. What do you hope to contribute to the
field?
For students who are not interested in working in one of the above
fields, ask them which profession or field they are interested in
pursuing. Have them research their chosen career path, including
daily activities, common technologies used in the industry, and their
field’s impact on the environment. They should address each of
these in their paper. Also, ask them what they can do to protect the
environment and promote sustainability in their chosen profession
or field. Remind them that thinking about the environment and
sustainability is no longer the exclusive domain of conservationists
and environmentalists.

9
Environmental Management:
Maria Elena Correa
M
aria Elena Correa studied public administration
at the University of Chile, and she earned a
Master’s degree in environmental studies from
the Complutense University of Madrid. She has worked in Chile’s Ministry of Envi-
ronment as a consultant and professional for more than five years. Her very strong
interest in protecting the environment has shaped her professional career and life.
“We are seeing a paradigm shift in how people view the world and in their concern
for the environment. This shift needs to be about more than talk; it also implies
action. Without action, good intentions remain only that: good intentions. Sus-
tainability is something we must work toward in our daily lives, not only in major
projects,” says Correa, who believes that citizen participation is the key to tackling
climate change.
For more information go to:
»» Ensuring Healthy Environments at www.iadb.org/riseup
»» You studied public administration and then specialized in
environmental issues. Why?
I became interested in environmental issues in my fourth year
of college. Not only in sustainable development as a field of
study, but also as a philosophy of life.
After that, I focused my internship and subsequent
professional practice on the environmental field, because
it’s important to specialize in your chosen area. I did my
postgraduate studies in environmental issues and focused on
environmental management, because that’s my field of work.
»» Why are careers in environmental protection more important
today than they were a few years ago? Is this a fad that will
pass?
I think concern for the environment arises from the current
problems the planet is facing, and environmental protection
will continue to be necessary. So it’s a growing field, and
careers in this area will tend to pay well.
»» Your Master’s thesis was on public participation in strategic
environmental assessment. What does that mean?
Strategic environmental assessment seeks to guide decision-
making about public policies, plans, and programs to make
them more sustainable. Citizen participation has a leading
role in this process. Consulting with key stakeholders and
beneficiaries of the policies, plans, and programs improves the
assessment process and allows decision-makers to select the
best alternatives.
»» Why is community involvement important in environmental
decision-making? How does this participation contribute to a
healthy environment?
International experience has shown that citizen participation
leads to better decision-making and that citizens feel more
responsible for and involved in the process. The greatest
benefit of citizen participation is that it helps mitigate
conflicts, and decisions about environmental issues often
entail a high level of conflict within communities. Dialogue and
stakeholder participation lead to decisions that produce the
least environmental impact.
»» Do communities have a say in private projects or only in
public projects?
Communities can participate in both public and private
projects. The process of strategic environmental assessment
seeks to mitigate the impact of all types of projects. When a
project is proposed that will have a high environmental impact
on a surrounding community, community participation is even
more necessary. In the cases that have been analyzed to date,
the process works best when a public official ensures and
coordinates community participation.

10
»» When did you realize you were interested in the environment?
Was it while you were in school? Also, what influenced your
decision to work for the environment?
In college, I had a professor who had a strong commitment to
the environment, and this motivated me. From there, I became
increasingly interested in the topic and studied it formally and
on my own.
»» Why is working on environmental issues in the public sector
important?
For me, working on environmental issues is very important
because in many constitutions the state is the guarantor of
the citizens’ right to live in a pollution-free environment. So
policies, programs, and laws are necessary to regulate and
guide environmental actions, and the state needs to ensure
they they are complied with and that the public sector clearly
directs the development models that are adopted. Working in
an organization that constantly thinks about how to address
sustainability is essential for me.
»» What message would you send to young people who are
interested in pursuing careers in environmental stewardship?
They should think about sustainability and work to help
create a more sustainable environment.
»» Which countries are the most advanced in these topics and
why?
The Nordic countries have managed to “solve” their
social problems, and they have taken steps toward solving
environmental problems and implementing development
models based on sustainability.
»» Currently, many students in Latin America and the Caribbean
do not have access to a college education. Can young people
who have technical or technological training work for the
environment? What options are available to them?
I think there are a lot. Earning a college degree is often seen
as the only way, but many technological improvements also
contribute to sustainability. There is a lot to be done from that
standpoint.
Environmental Research and
Education: Diego Mosquera
D
iego Mosquera is an ecologist by profession, and
he has a Master’s degree in geographic informa-
tion systems. He has worked in many different
natural areas in Ecuador. For the past 15 years, he has worked in the Amazon,
where he has been a permanent resident for the past 8 years. He runs a high-level
research station in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and he spends his
time there documenting and studying wildlife by using camera traps.
“Nature functions as an intricate network of interactions among species and their
environment, and although we don’t understand these dynamics, we must prepare
for the changes that are coming,” says Mosquera.
»» Protecting the Land at www.iadb.org/riseup
»» You have run the Tiputini Biodiversity Station of University
San Francisco of Quito since 2005. Why is this reserve,
located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, so important?
It is important because of its incredible diversity. The Tiputini
Biodiversity Station is located in Yasuni National Park, which
has been documented as one of the most biodiverse places on
Earth. No one has been able to produce a complete list of all
the species of organisms in a given place, and this challenge is
especially daunting in the tropics. The station comprises only
650 hectares, but it has an impressive variety of amphibians,
reptiles, birds, and mammals. In terms of plants, the total
number of species is close to 2,200, and some 600 species
can be found in a single hectare. Because of all this diversity,
environmental impacts on Yasuni have greater ramifications

11
than they do elsewhere. The station’s goal is to promote
research on this magnificent ecosystem and to generate
information that will help document and protect it. The most
important component is education, which is why our work is
so important.
»» How did your college degrees help you achieve the position
you have today at the station?
I studied ecology in college, and later I earned a Master’s
degree in geographic information systems. The knowledge
I acquired during my studies and especially during field
trips increased my interest in protecting the Amazon. This
knowledge helped me obtain a position managing the station.
A position like this requires a lot of research experience and
knowledge of biology, ecology, and even administration.
Speaking more than one language is also essential. My
university studies were important for those reasons.
»» Why is ecosystem research so important for mitigating and
adapting to climate change?
To understand how to mitigate or adapt to climate change,
we must first understand how ecosystems function. Nature
functions as an intricate network of interactions among species
and their environment, and although we don’t understand
these dynamics, we must prepare for the changes that are
coming. Climate change has repercussions on many levels; it
isn’t only about it getting hotter or colder or that there will
be more or less rain. Climate change implies changes among
species’ interactions; the spread of pests and invasive species;
the productivity of forests and crops; droughts, floods, and
disturbances in biogeochemical cycles and soil water reserves;
decreased carbon sequestration; and more high-impact natural
disasters. All of these will undoubtedly alter our environment
and our way of life, producing drastic social and economic
changes. If we don’t understand how ecosystems work, we can
do very little to mitigate or adapt to climate change.
»» You work in environmental education at the station. Who
visits you there? What do you teach them and why?
Most of our visitors are undergraduate students from
universities around the world, especially the United States.
We also receive researchers interested in studying various
organisms (birds, mammals, plants, etc.), doctoral students
who come to do their theses, and documentary photographers
and teams who visit for specific broadcast projects. The reason
they visit, especially students, is to gain direct experience in
a region that is full of myths. They receive lectures about the
Amazon, conservation, petroleum, biology, geography, and
so on; and they work on projects to learn study techniques
that will help them in their future careers. We believe in
the concept of an open classroom, wherein students have
access to facilities such as laboratories, computers, and other
equipment. Then, when they go out into the forest, they
immediately have a living laboratory in which to explore and
implement what they have learned. When students return to
their home countries, they leave with a different perspective
of the Amazon. They understand its importance and learn to
appreciate conservation, and above all they realize that what
they do at home is somehow related to the Amazon forest.
»» Does classifying and researching wildlife inform us about
climate change?
Of course! Climate change is one of the biggest threats to
many species, especially those that are highly sensitive to
changes in the environment, such as amphibians. Changes
in the climate affect the seasonality of the forest, which
influences the availability of resources that species need to
survive. By studying wildlife, we can make inferences about the
presence, distribution, and use of resources and activity and
behavior patterns, and we can see how these patterns change
over time. When there are drastic changes in these patterns,
the effects of climate change are evident.
today than they were a few years ago? Is this a fad that will
pass?
Thankfully, environmental issues have become a bigger
priority during the past decade, but much remains to be done.

12
In recent years, the tremendous pressure on ecosystems
and resources has put us dangerously close to the point of
no return, when we will no longer be able to recover their
integrity. The urgent need for changes in the way we live
makes it imperative that people get trained on environmental
issues. I believe that this is more than a fad; it is a kind of
paradigm shift, as we’ve come to realize that our lives depend
on protecting our planet. I hope it’s a fad that doesn’t pass,
because there are many problems and few solutions.
»» What is the environmental reality of the Amazon today, and
what do we need to do to protect areas like it?
The reality is that the Amazon is in serious danger. Human
activities and their direct and indirect results have had
devastating effects on the forests and the species that live
there. Oil extraction, mining, deforestation, agriculture, wildlife
trafficking, indiscriminate hunting, constructing roads, and so
on are further reducing the forests of the Amazon countries
and threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The
Amazon is one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth.
Its forests took thousands of years to form, and, given its
complexity, it doesn’t recover as easily as other ecosystems.
This isn’t about eliminating large areas and then replanting
them, because the complexity and diversity of the Amazon will
not recover. That is why it’s important to conserve large areas
of the forests that can be interconnected and thus allow for
genetic exchange. We have seen how important it is to protect
the integrity of the Amazon rainforest time and again, but
unfortunately it is a political issue. We need leaders with new
visions who understand that our survival doesn’t depend on us
but rather on the Earth and on how well we use and care for it.
We need leaders who understand that cement is not progress
and that real treasure is not oil or minerals beneath the soil
but rather the forests that live above it. We need to control
population growth, protect more areas, raise awareness,
change consumer habits, and even look to ancient practices
that were more sustainable. We must invest in and develop
new environmentally friendly technologies, and above all we
must reduce and eliminate our dependence on oil.
»» What type of professionals or specialists are required to
conserve the Amazon and why?
Personally, I believe anyone who is committed to
environmental protection can help, from lawyers to artists.
We have made extraordinary advances on the scientific side,
but documenting what’s happening in the Amazon is useless
if it keeps disappearing at such a worrying rate. We need
professionals and specialists in many fields, not only in biology.
Forest degradation is an issue that has many ramifications, so
having specialists in areas such as environmental law, natural
resource economics, or engineering is very important. We
need to train community and political leaders on the subject
and on conservation.
»» What message would you send to young people who are
interested in pursuing careers in environmental stewardship?
Well, I would say that it is definitely worth it, but they will
need to arm themselves with patience, and they shouldn’t
expect to be well paid. However, it is greatly rewarding to
know that you have made a tiny contribution to protecting our
planet and the species that inhabit it.
»» Are there many scholarship opportunities for undergraduate
and graduate students interested in careers involving the
environment? Which countries are the most advanced in
these topics and why?
Yes, I think scholarships are increasingly available. Access to
scholarships and information is much more widespread than
it was a few years ago, which allows for more opportunities.
Countries like Holland are very interested in mitigating the
effects of climate change, because eventually they will be the
first victims. They have come a long way in their research, and
they donate a lot of money to both scholarships and further
research. Brazil has made great strides in environmental issues
as well. It has trained professionals who are very committed to
the issues. Costa Rica has made natural resource conservation
a primary source of income, and conservation is a government
policy priority. The United States is a country of reference,
but environmental issues are the last thing on peoples’ minds

13
there. Colombia and Mexico also have excellent environmental
professionals in various fields, but not as many as we would like.
»» Currently, many students in Latin America and the Caribbean
do not have access to a college education. Can young
people with technical or technological training work for the
environment? What options are available to them?
There are many opportunities. Environmental conservation
and protection go beyond having a certain degree. Of course,
being well educated helps a lot, but ultimately what matters
most is what happens in practice. It requires a lot of people
who are committed to the environment on many different
levels. Technical or technological training is also essential
and can be applied on different fronts, often generating even
greater impacts and results. You don’t have to be a world-
renowned scientist with two doctorate degrees to get results.
Is there anything else you would like to talk about in this
interview?
As an inhabitant of the Amazon, I am very concerned about
its future. I would like to say that it is important to realize that
nature is not here for us to decide what happens to it or to
decide who lives and who doesn’t. Showing respect for life
in all its forms is the first step toward changing what we are
doing wrong. We still have time.
Risk Management:
M.C. Carolina Neri
M
.C. Carolina Neri is a geographer by profession.
She completed her graduate studies in Earth
sciences, with a specialization in natural risk
management, at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She is currently
working toward her doctorate from the Geography Institute, and she is researching
the use of climate information for drought prevention. Her professional experience
includes participation in various research and consulting projects.
“Given the potential impacts of a changing climate and our increasing vulnerabi-
lity, the best way to reduce the likelihood of being affected is by adjusting to the
potential changes, which means changing what makes us vulnerable,” says Neri,
who works on adaptation to climate change and risk reduction.
»» Ensuring Healthy Environments and Protecting the
Land at www.iadb.org/riseup
»» What does risk management and working for adaptation to
climate change entail?
Risk management is about planning preventive actions to
reduce a region’s or system’s vulnerability to certain threats
or dangers, such as hurricanes. Temperature increases
and changes in precipitation are threats to socioeconomic
progress. To identify what we can do to adapt to these
changes, we need to understand why we are vulnerable. From
a risk management perspective, we need to study climate
change and its likely effects and then select and define actions

14
to reduce our present and future vulnerability.
»» Why is your work useful?
Studying and evaluating the impacts of meteorological
events, climate change scenarios, our adaptive capacities, and
so on are extremely important for public policy and program
design and for federal, state, and municipal action plans.
»» Why is teaching people to adapt to climate change so
important right now?
Given the potential impacts of a changing climate and our
increasing vulnerability, the best way to reduce the likelihood
of being affected is by adjusting to the potential changes,
which means changing what makes us vulnerable. An obvious
example is to stop our excessive use of natural resources. In
the future even more people than today will require basic
services such as food and water, and without adapting we may
exhaust all of our water resources or environmental services
before climate change catches up with us.
Why are careers in environmental protection more important
today than they were a few years ago? Is this a passing fad?
They have always been important. Today they are higher
profile because we need immediate answers to the problems
that have been developing for so long. We need to extensively
study our mega-diverse, multicultural continent. Perhaps the
reflectors are directed at another point for now, but without
question the issue of environmental protection will not stop
being relevant.
Was it while you were in school? Also, what influenced your
decision to work for the environment?
When I was a kid, I used to watch the news on television,
and I was always interested in knowing why hurricanes
or heavy rains caused such widespread damage in so
many socioeconomic sectors. I didn’t find many answers
in elementary school, but in high school my geography
teacher explained the relationship between humans and the
environment, and that’s when I realized that geography was
my calling. In college, I studied the El Niño phenomenon and
how droughts affected rain-fed agriculture in places such as
Oaxaca’s Central Valley. I always link the two.
»» Can you make much money working for the environment?
What job opportunities are there in the fields of risk
management and adaptation?
There are opportunities in government agencies such as
Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources,
National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of
Biodiversity, National Institute of Ecology, and the National
Forestry Commission, to name a few, as well as in national and
international environmental nongovernmental organizations.
Today, the issue of climate change is high on national agendas,
which implies that large investments are being made, and
therefore there are opportunities to participate in studies and
projects in academia and in state and municipal institutions.
»» What major challenges and obstacles have you faced in your
career? Do any of them have to do with being a woman?
People who work in risk management and adaptation have
to work with key decision makers and stakeholders. I first
got involved in research projects while I was still studying,
and right away I started giving presentations and speaking
at workshops. Some people aren’t comfortable with a girl
doing an evaluation or having the answers, but that was how
I learned to overcome my nerves and be confident in my
knowledge.
»» Can you give us an example of a specific situation in which
risk management was fundamental?
One day, a congressional staff person called the institute
and spoke with my advisor. He said they were very interested
in the proposal we were working on for an early drought
warning system, which was the topic of my Master’s thesis.
After several meetings a document was drawn up that was
promoted in the Chamber of Deputies, and we presented the
proposal at a hearing. Although the initiative wasn’t accepted,

15
the experience cemented my belief in what I was doing, and I
was pleased that at least 10 deputies listened closely to us.
»» What personal qualities does a person need to pursue a
career like yours?
This job requires outreach to academia and institutions and
to society in general. Sometimes we act as intermediaries; at
other times, we take the side of academia or of the decision
makers. So it is important to know how to negotiate and to
develop strategic vision.
»» What would you tell young people who are interested in
careers related to the environment and adaptation to climate
change?
There is still much to do. We need young people with
creative, innovative ideas to tackle the current challenges
around climate change.
and graduate students interested in risk management? Which
countries are the most interested in this topic and why?
Yes, I can say from experience that Mexico has good
scholarship opportunities. Most graduate programs have
scholarships available from the National Council for Science
and Technology (CONACYT), and many universities have
alternative programs, such as at the National Autonomous
University of Mexico. There are also other ways to get funding,
such as by collaborating on research projects.
The second part of the question makes me think of the
United States or the countries in Europe. Their education
systems exceed those of many countries. I don’t want to
go into the details, but I think that one thing that makes
a difference is that in countries like the United States, the
undergrad teaching and learning processes are very solid, so
students assimilate things like theoretical foundations better.
»» Some people who are interested in working on the
environment don’t have access to a college education. What
would you suggest to them? What opportunities are there in
education and in the workplace?
There aren’t really any limits today. You can find a lot of
information online, in libraries, and so on. However, having a
degree opens doors.
Conservation, Risk Management,
Environmental Planning and
Participation: Rodrigo Tarquino
R
odrigo Tarquino is an environmental engineer.
For the past 10 years, he has helped various
Bolivian institutions apply scientific knowledge
to environmental management to guide them toward implementing sound local
and regional policies.
“I strongly believe that civil society participation and involvement in environmental
planning and management are crucial for better governance and self-management
of nature,” says Tarquino, who believes that it takes a long-term commitment to
really make a true difference for the environment.
»» Our Climate Is Changing, Protecting the Land, and
Water to Treasure at www.iadb.org/riseup
»» Why is establishing and conserving protected areas
important? How does it help mitigate climate change?
Human beings are part of nature. Today, we are responsible
for managing and making decisions for the Earth. To do
this, we’ve established land-planning mechanisms, such as

16
protected areas that we seek to conserve. Protected areas
represent samples of landscapes, species, and ecosystems;
and although these are often quite beautiful, there purpose
isn’t only to make us happy. They also provide environmental
services such as the air we breathe, the water we drink, and
important aspects of life itself.
Climate change is a real phenomenon that demands attention
right now. Researchers and others who work on this topic are
studying it and trying to learn more, both to share information
about its impact and to take action and promote behavioral
changes around its causes. In this regard, protected areas are
developmental models wherein we can test what we’ve learned
and that we can use to create awareness about climate change
and other topics.
»» What does development with adaptive capacity entail? And
what are the most important elements to consider when
adapting to climate change?
Development is a natural process of growth and evolution.
It doesn’t exist in a vacuum, however; we must also consider
the environmental context and remember that it is always
changing. To the extent possible, we must be able to adapt
to disruptions or changes, whether social, environmental,
economic, or political.
Adaptation is the ability to change and modify our behavior
according to external conditions. Even if they’re not aware of
it, people, societies, and countries are exposed to things like
climate change. So it’s our responsibility to inform ourselves,
evaluate our attitudes, change our behaviors as individuals,
and help society do the same.
Career paths in environmental protection in Latin America
arise from the need to be responsible toward our planet. At
first, much of the knowledge was new, but now we have a
wealth of environmental information that allows us to act in
the legal, political, and productive spheres based on what
we’ve learned. Although fads will always come and go, I
believe that doing what needs to be done takes conviction.
And conviction isn’t only a fad; it’s a desire to have a brighter
future and, above all, a better quality of life that is eternally
linked with nature.
»» What job opportunities exist for environmental management
professionals? Are they only found in the public sector? Or is
it also possible to work in the private sector?
After working for more than 10 years, I can say that the
work is where you look for it. I mean, with conviction as your
engine, you can always seek out new horizons. Latin America
is filled with young people who can think for themselves, and
that’s a great quality to have in this type of work, where you
need to be dynamic and impetuous. There are definitely work
opportunities in the public and private sectors ranging from
self-employment to working with large organizations.
»» What major challenges and obstacles do you face in your
work?
Organizational bureaucracies and lack of vision, when
processes are myopic or lack commitment. Also, obstacles that
limit the ability of states, nations, and continents to prioritize
conservation and environmental actions, such as crises that
distract us from global “development” policies and render
them less important. Finally, people who work on short-
and medium-term conservation and development projects
generally do not have job security, which results in a lack of
commitment, in my opinion.
career like yours?
People working in this field often find themselves in remote
areas for long periods of time. Students should know that to
do one thing you like, you have to do 10 things that you don’t
like. Environmentalists are patient dreamers; they don’t want to
be cooped up inside an office 365 days a year.

17
careers relating to the environment and adaptation to climate
change?
The environment needs people who are committed to
spending their time fulfilling their dreams. They should know
that the profession doesn’t always pay well, and that it’s not
always easy, because you have to face society and say what
you think, even if everyone believes you are wrong. Also,
even after thousands of years, we still don’t really understand
nature, and often we don’t feel like we are a part of it. That is
why it’s important to become involved. To understand nature,
we must research it so we can help it through planning and
management, and so we can do something for nature through
our attitudes.
»» Which countries are the most advanced in risk management?
Risk management is advanced in Japan, Chile, Peru,
Colombia, and other countries that are subject to extreme
environmental pressures. I am sure that Indonesia is an
example today, after the 2004 tsunami. We can learn a lot
from those countries.
Environmental Engineering:
Angelica María Acero Díaz-
Granados
A
ngelica María Acero Díaz-Granados is an envi-
ronmental engineer with professional training
from the Free University of Bogota, Colombia,
and a Master’s degree in Earth sciences from the Paul Sabatier University in Tou-
louse, France. Her work entails assessing and implementing management models
that optimize the use of natural resources and minimize pollution from human and
industrial activities and processes.
She has been involved in mineral exploration projects in Colombia and the Domi-
nican Republic, performing follow-up studies on occupational health and industrial
operations safety.
“The mining industry is made up mostly of environmental experts, which is very
important because identifying environmental issues and impact is part of what
they do. The environmental team’s goal is to reduce, control, and/or minimize
the impacts they identify, promoting good waste management, the use of clean
technologies, the proper use of natural resources, and continuous process improve-
ments,” says Acero Díaz-Granados.
»» Ensuring Healthy Environments and Protecting the
Land at www.iadb.org/riseup

18
»» What is environmental engineering?
My personal concept is that environmental engineering is the
study of modern society’s environmental problems. In general
terms, environmental engineering is about environmental
stewardship. Taking into account social, economic, and
technological dimensions, it promotes comprehensive
sustainable development solutions that comply with
environmental laws.
»» You have extensive experience in occupational health and
industrial safety in the mining sector. What are the most
important elements to consider for health and safety in a gold
mine?
In general terms, mining companies should:
• Develop an occupational health and industrial safety
management model
• Have clear occupational health and industrial safety
policies. Disseminating these policies and ensuring
employee commitment is crucial.
• Implement occupational health and industrial safety
programs and emergency plans that are tailored to the
location and its activities to prevent and/or reduce risks
• Provide workers continuous training and education on
health and industrial safety issues to greatly reduce risks
• Establish environmental management programs so
the staff knows that the company is committed to
environmental conservation and management.
»» For years mercury has been used in gold mining, and we
know the health consequences of this. What do you think
about the Minamata Convention on Mercury?
Although achieving a global commitment to reduce the
industrial use of mercury and its health and environmental
effects has been a long process, the Minamata Convention held
in Geneva in 2013 [[Okay/correct?]] helped establish a starting
point. Through it, some 140 countries are working to establish
global commitments to reduce mercury use and improve its
management to avoid pollution and harm to humans. This issue
is everyone’s problem. Our countries should set higher control
standards to ensure sustainable development and reduce
pollution. The Minamata Convention helps raise awareness and
improve our environment.
»» Why is it important for a mining company to employ
environmentalists?
The mining industry is made up mostly of environmental
experts, which is very important because identifying
environmental issues and impact is part of what they do.
The environmental team’s goal is to reduce, control, and/or
minimize the impacts they identify, promoting good waste
management, the use of clean technologies, the proper use of
natural resources, and continuous process improvements. This
helps the mining industry focus on sustainable development.
»» What role does the local community play in terms of
maintaining a safe and healthy environment in mining areas?
Do private or mixed enterprises take the community into
consideration when making decisions about the environment?
The community plays a key role when there is a direct
relationship between the company and the community. For
example, mining companies employ strategies for good
communications with the public, offering advantages in
terms of development and employment generation. They
also establish environmental protection and public safety
management systems. Through such systems, the mining
industry shows its ongoing commitment to the community by
seeking to improve the quality of life in local communities.
Currently, private and mixed enterprises are very interested in
establishing environmental management and security systems.
The mining industry is one of the industries with the greatest
focus on accountability and societal well-being. As part of the
decision-making process, the community is invited to meetings
in which the staff charged with environmental responsibility
propose to the community environmental programs designed
to ensure the proper use of resources and environmental
mitigation and compensation. The community has the

19
opportunity to express its opinions and concerns and to make
suggestions regarding the environmental management plans
the company will implement during the project. These opinions
are used to modify or improve the environmental programs.
Was it in school? What influenced your decision to work for
the environment?
I studied some subjects related to the environment in school,
such as ecology, natural sciences, and others, which led me
to focus my university studies on that area. My decision to
study environmental engineering came when I noticed how
many environmental problems we had in our area and when
I saw the initiatives that companies were beginning to adopt,
including environmental management models and the chance
to participate actively on various fronts.
»» What job opportunities are there for environmental
engineers?
There are many job opportunities worldwide. Currently,
country commitments to adopting environmental management
measures in various disciplines provide professional
opportunities to work on environmental engineering projects
in areas such as waste management, water treatment, air
pollution, and environmental management systems, to name a
few. In my case, the mining industry has enabled me to use my
knowledge while working for a socially responsible industry to
create a sustainable development path.
»» Can you tell us about a specific situation in which your work
was crucial for the environment and the health of employees
or the community?
While working in mineral exploration in the Dominican
Republic, I had the great experience of participating in
environmental and occupational health and industrial safety
monitoring during exploration activities. The company sought
continuous improvements and took its responsibility for the
welfare and safety of workers very seriously. We implemented
new safety measures, staff training on the proper handling of
machinery, measures for avoiding accidents, and the use of
industrial safety tools; and we discussed our responsibilities
and commitment to environmental management, among
other topics. This greatly increased workers’ commitment to
health and safety in every area and to properly maintaining
their work areas. New environmental management measures
were implemented for proper water use and reuse and for
solid waste management. We also had good communications
with environmental authorities, and we complied with local
environmental regulations. This teamwork among managers,
employees, communities, and the government facilitated our
responsible mining practices.
There are many ways to participate in environmental
activities, such as becoming involved with a nongovernmental
organization, volunteering with an environmental group and
learning about environmental topics empirically, or getting
involved in environmental activities in the community along
with youth, children, the elderly, and even the authorities, if
possible. Also, contacting people who are knowledgeable
on the topic or companies or organizations that support
environmental initiatives can be a starting point for learning
about the environment. From a work standpoint, many jobs
contribute to environmental protection and conservation, such
as park rangers, environmental awareness event organizers, or
environmental fund-raising.
Is there anything else you would like to talk about in this
interview to motivate students to work toward protecting the
environment and mitigating climate change?
I encourage students to participate in environmental
activities in their cities and around the world. Now more than
ever, everyone needs to protect and help manage our natural
resources. We have to be aware of how the environment
influences our lives and those of future generations so we will

20
make our world a friendly, clean, and harmonious place and
develop it sustainably.
We need people who are focusing on protecting the world
in our governments, our schools, our businesses, and our lives
so they can share their knowledge and offer new ideas for
improvements, clean technologies, research, and more.
The consequences of climate change are largely a direct
result of mankind’s lack of awareness. Serious environmental
impacts on water, air, and soil have led to a new generation of
natural phenomena. As such, it is important to motivate people
to address environmental issues and to use their expertise in
these sectors. These sectors need entrepreneurs to contribute
to continuous improvements and environmental protection.
Landscape Design:
Eduardo Hinojosa
W
ith a degree in ecology, Eduardo Hinojosa
loves natural beauty and is fully com-
mitted to ecology and its processes. His
professional experience has included everything from ecological conservation to
designing urban spaces. Initially, he began working in the field of conservation as
the research department head at an ecological reserve. Later, he participated in
several consulting projects on topics related to the development of public policies
for environmental improvement and adaptation to climate change. He also worked
on preparing urban development plans and designs and promoting the implemen-
tation of techniques, technologies, and designs to increase sustainability.
Currently, he is working toward a Master’s degree in urban environmental manage-
ment in the Netherlands.
“I am convinced that simply trying to avoid negative impacts on and restore
ecosystems is not enough; we need to find ways to revitalize them. This applies
to both “natural” environments and those that have been modified by humans,
whether urban or rural. I am committed to improving the conditions in which
society and ecology operate, regardless of where they are located,” says Hinojosa.
He believes it is essential to expose young people to the beauty of nature and to
make sure they understand the importance of protecting untouched areas and
improving areas that have been modified or devastated.
»» Protecting the Land at www.iadb.org/riseup
20

21
»» What does designing, planning, and conserving landscapes
and gardens entail?
My field is generally called landscape architecture. It’s about
arranging spaces so that they’re suitable for specific activities.
The concept of a “landscape” is abstract and subjective;
different disciplines define it in different ways. Generally, it
involves an observer’s perceptions about a certain space.
However, cultural, physiographic, and ecological characteristics
influence the meaning we give to landscapes. Through design
and planning, we can build and manage space and thus drive
and even determine the culture that develops there.
»» Why is your specialization useful? Is it mainly about aesthetic
needs?
To a large extent, you could say that it focuses on the
aesthetic qualities of spaces. However, it can be approached
more holistically by recognizing and emphasizing the
ecological and social processes taking place on the landscape.
Many human development problems could be solved through
such an approach. We could also improve the conditions in
which we live as a society and in which wildlife develops.
Environmental stewardship has been brewing for decades,
although it has spread so quickly in recent years that it may be
fair to call it a fad. Personally, I think that unlike the others, this
fad is here to stay.
The environmental degradation and natural resource
shortages that have come from excessive exploitation are
undeniable. How much influence we actually have on much-
hyped effects, so to speak, such as climate change is perhaps
debatable. But the fact that it is occurring is increasingly
difficult to deny. We need a deep understanding and a
commitment to conscious management if we want to regain
the environment’s functionality and protect ourselves from
increasingly challenging situations.
Was it in school? What influenced your decision to study
ecology and landscape and garden design?
I’ve always enjoyed natural science, but I’m also very
interested in art. After leaning toward the former, studying
ecology, and practicing the discipline in its most basic form,
I realized I needed to find a way to apply it much more
creatively. So curiosity and dissatisfaction led me to study
landscape architecture and urban design and planning,
disciplines wherein science merges with art.
What job opportunities are available in your field?
While there still aren’t many jobs available, it’s definitely a
growing field. However, it is not easy to find well-paying jobs,
particularly in developing countries, but there will be more,
better-paid opportunities in the future.
»» What major challenges and obstacles do you face in your
daily professional life?
While they are not necessarily things that I face daily, some
of the biggest challenges are related to communicating my
ideas, making sure people understand me, and convincing
them of the benefits of those ideas. Building a strong case is
challenging in any discipline.
career like yours?
A great love for nature. After all, when you’re working to
improve nature, the greatest starting point is to feel admiration
and love for it. You also need great optimism, because the
more we learn about the current situation, the more negative
the outlook. Only a true optimist can stay focused on finding
possible solutions, however idyllic they may seem.
careers in environmental stewardship?
Go for it, definitely! Despite its downsides, it is a very
rewarding career in every respect.

22
»» Some young people cannot afford to go to college. Can they
find work in environmental protection from a technical and
practical standpoint?
There are many job opportunities in environmental protection
that don’t require a college degree. For example, in ecotourism,
agroecology activities such as organic farming, permaculture
or beekeeping, installing green technologies such as green
roofs and walls or alternative energy devices, and gardening
and landscaping, to name a few.
and graduate students interested in the environment? Which
countries are the most advanced and why?
There are many scholarships available on both the national
and international levels, especially for postgraduates. I
think there will be more and more opportunities related to
environmental protection, perhaps because, as you said, it is
something of a fad.
Developed countries tend to invest more time and money in
these issues. However, some developing countries are paying
special attention to the environment, such as China. There
are many reasons for this, but I think it’s generally because
so many natural resources have been devastated in these
countries, and, as the saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve
got until it’s gone, or almost gone in many cases. In addition,
there is more awareness about the benefits of environmental
stewardship, including the economic benefits.
»» Is there anything else you would like to talk about in this
interview?
As a champion of environmental protection, I am hopeful
that more and more young people will become aware of and
interested in improving their surroundings. It’s essential to
expose young people to the beauty of nature and to make sure
they understand the importance of protecting untouched areas
and improving areas that have been modified or devastated.
It’s up to this generation to save us from the probable future
that is emerging, one in which we have managed to survive
while devastating all wildlife ecosystems and conserving only a
very limited number of species. It would be a terrible tragedy
to destroy the wealth and beauty that we have enjoyed in
our lives without giving future generations the chance to
experience it too.
Responsible Consumption:
Marcela Trujillo Useche
M
arcela Trujillo Useche is a lawyer who specia-
lizes in construction, land use, and soil policy
law. She has a Master’s degree in environment
and human and socioeconomic dimensions. She has worked with vulnerable
communities and on developing, implementing, and evaluating education and
environmental projects. Her current job involves researching and implementing
sustainable development and responsible consumption projects.
“The choices we make every day as consumers have a great impact, but often we
don’t realize it. Our choices drive consumption and market patterns; they have a big
influence on natural resources and society,” says Useche, who urges people to shop
responsibly.
»» Intelligent Consumption and Sustainable Cities for Smart
Urban Growth at www.iadb.org/riseup

23
»» You just finished your Master’s degree in environment,
human, and socioeconomic dimensions and did your thesis
on education about responsible consumption. Why should we
consume responsibly?
The choices we make every day as consumers have a
great impact, but often we don’t realize it. Our choices drive
consumption and market patterns; they have a big influence on
natural resources and society. They contribute to phenomena
as serious as climate change and human rights violations.
Today, consumers have the power to directly influence
the system, which is a huge responsibility. Responsible
consumption and activities aimed at promoting social and
environmental responsibility are powerful tools for putting
pressure on the market.
»» What items do we need to consume more responsibly
and why?
Mainly food, because the way it is produced has serious
implications for the environment, for people, and for health.
However, I believe everything we buy has an impact, so it is
always important to consider whether the item is really worth
the impact or whether we can live without it. We should
be aware of our real needs and abandon our consumerist
practices.
»» What can be done to raise awareness among consumers when
the marketplace, advertising, and society tell us to constantly
buy new things?
We need to approach it from an educational standpoint
so that people become aware of the impact of their actions
on the environment and on their own health. We need to
understand that we are all part of the same system and that
each individual action has consequences. That awareness
would start transforming people into responsible consumers
who demand sustainable products and services that are
produced by ethical means.
When we buy something, we are practically voting by
supporting or rejecting certain production processes and
service-provision practices. Our choices send indirect
messages to decision makers in the government and in
corporations and industries.
I believe that through formal and informal education, we can
spread valuable knowledge aimed at modifying habits, and
we can provide tools to enable people to be more critical of
advertising messages. Likewise, we need human innovation to
replace processes and materials that are harmful to the planet,
along with a paradigm shift so that people stop associating
consumption with happiness.
Was it in school? What led you to decide to study and work
for the environment?
I’ve loved and been interested in nature since I was little. Ever
since I can remember, I’ve wanted to protect biodiversity and
the environment. However, in recent years, I’ve become more
aware of the power consumers have to transform the current
system, which is why I started to change my daily habits a
few years ago. I felt obliged to help empower people to make
informed decisions about their consumption.
What job opportunities exist in the field of responsible
consumption advocacy?
Given the current environmental and social crisis, many
national and international institutions are investing resources
in programs aimed at improving production practices and
raising public awareness. Many clean production projects and
responsible consumption education programs exist today, so
job opportunities in this field have increased significantly over
time.
Moreover, we are seeing the birth of a green economy, which
seeks to improve human welfare and social equity while
significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological
shortages.

24
»» What major challenges and obstacles do you face in
your career?
Sometimes it’s frustrating to see how much power and
influence the current economic system has on the environment
and our natural resources. Our deeply rooted thought systems
threaten the very survival of our species. However, humans
have a huge challenge before us, and although it isn’t easy,
every day I meet more people and institutions committed to
personal and collective change.
»» Can you tell us about an experience you’ve had while
promoting responsible consumption in a community? What
were the results?
I recently had the opportunity to be part of a home-based,
responsible-consumption program in Madrid, Spain. The
program was geared toward families who are concerned about
the environmental and social impact of their consumption
decisions, daily habits, and lifestyles. The initiative aims to help
families manage their homes responsibly by:
Promoting self-monitoring of home water and energy
consumption
Introducing resource-saving measures and behaviors
Helping them make more ethical and ecological purchases.
The program educates families about the consequences
of certain behaviors. It also promotes practical activities
and provides tools for conserving resources and selecting
products. Together, these things improve families’ quality of
life according to their purchasing power.
The program is particularly useful not only for reducing
the current environmental crisis but also for moving toward
sustainability. Assessments have shown that water and energy
savings from the program have exceeded initial targets.
What personal qualities does a person need to pursue a
career like yours?
I think commitment and perseverance are important, because
we really generate change through our own lives and our
choices. We must be aware of our individual actions to “walk
our talk” and to show people that it is possible to live in a way
that is more environmentally and socially friendly.
careers in environmental stewardship and adaptation to
climate change?
I’d say, go for it! There is so much to do, and we need to be
creative and innovative to test new ways of living, and, above
all, to let go of the paradigms that consider humans to be lord
and master over nature. There are many fronts on which one
can act to protect the environment, but the most useful is to
show people how they can help change the system simply
through their consumption choices. Ethical consumption
supports companies that act responsibly, ensures their survival
in the market, and contributes to positive change. It also sends
a clear message to companies that do not follow responsible
practices: we will not consume your products unless you
change the way you operate!
would you suggest to them? What opportunities exist in
I think there are many readily accessible courses on social
entrepreneurship and innovation that provide important
tools for creating income-generating businesses focused
on environmental protection. It’s relatively easy to access
knowledge today, so taking college courses is not essential to
work for the environment.
interview?
A real step toward sustainable development is only possible
if we reinstate values and practices that have long been lost
in a large part of the world: recognizing the finite nature of
our natural resources and using them frugally, enjoying our
leisure time in ways that do not involve consumption, and
appreciating intangibles that provide real quality of life and
are generally free. All of this is essential in our systems and
educational projects, because global sustainability begins with
personal sustainability.

25
Permaculture:
Jorge Espinosa
J
orge Espinosa earned a degree in photography
and humanities in New York. Later, he studied
agricultural engineering at the Pan-American
Agriculture School in Zamorano, Honduras. He is currently working toward his
Master’s degree in integrative eco-social design (permaculture) at Gaia University.
His work at Zamorano involves collaborating on the creation of a workshop to ex-
periment with technologies that may solve some of the challenges facing farmers.
“I am very proud that my name, Jorge, means ‘farmer,’” says Espinosa, who makes
his living by thinking about technologies for solving the challenges faced by rural
communities.
»» You Are What You Eat, Ensuring Healthy Environments,
and Sustainable Cities for Smart Urban Growth
at www.iadb.org/riseup
»» What is permaculture? How does it help fight climate
change?
Permaculture is a methodology for sustainability. The
interesting thing is that in sustainability we tend to focus
on the end point; whether or not we’re aware of it, we try
to extend our business or project for as long as possible.
However, “permaculture” suggests infinity, a kind of
“permanent” agriculture and culture. Yet the only constant in
the universe is change, so a permanent culture must be able to
adapt as well as be resilient to change.
Permaculture aims to protect people, the Earth, and the
future through principles such as zero-waste generation and
promoting diversity in our food supply and cultural systems.
Permaculture incorporates a full range of carbon farming, such
as holistic livestock and agroforestry management, which fix
carbon in the Earth’s living systems. We know from the study
of regeneration agriculture that the same measures used
to combat climate change are also (not coincidentally) the
best practices for adapting to it: strengthening regional food
systems, getting people to spend time in nature, and designing
and implementing multipurpose landscapes that house
biodiversity, nourish us, provide us with work and economic
security, and protect us from floods and droughts.
»» You are currently working on a financial permaculture project.
What does that entail?
Financial permaculture aims to bring financial and business
professionals into the world of the environment and
permaculture design, creating a bridge between the two. We
hold an annual event in which people from around the world
come together to brainstorm on environmentally and socially
friendly business models.
»» Do you think permaculture can ensure global food security
and environmental sustainability?
Oh, definitely! The challenge is to quickly make the transition
from systems that degrade the environment to processes for
cultural and environmental regeneration. The longer we wait,
the harder the transition will be.
»» You are an agronomist. How did you end up studying
agroecology?
I have been an environmentalist for as long as I can
remember. My concern for food sources arose from the
environmental degradation that occurs when peoples’ needs
go unmet. When people suffer, so does the environment.
Through permaculture and agroecology, I discovered how
people can meet their needs while restoring paradise here on
Earth.

26
»» What role have farmers played in your learning process?
I am very proud that my name, Jorge, means “farmer.” No
amount of reading or teaching can replace direct contact with
nature. My experience with farmers has helped me unlearn the
nefarious idea that we are separate from nature, the sad and
unfortunate notion that human beings are not intimately and
infinitely connected to the Earth. Climate change at the macro
level (in that what we burn on one side of the planet affects
the rest) and advances in microbiology (which have revealed
that inside and out, our bodies are just clusters of microbial
ecosystems) are showing us what farmers already knew: that
the Earth and human beings are inseparable.
»» You are also an artist. What role does your camera play in all
of this?
I use my camera to document everything I do. It is also one of
the alternative currencies I barter with!
Was it in school? What made you decide to study and work
for the environment?
I grew up surrounded by horses and cows in the beautiful
subtropical forest of Tegucigalpa. I had my first compost pile
when I was 10, and I don’t even remember when I learned how
to climb trees. I see everything through those lenses, including
my studies and work. Everything in our world is affected by
the environmental crisis.
What job opportunities are out there?
Every day, there are more job opportunities in ecology, both
in the academic world and in companies that are looking to go
green. I would like to turn your question upside down a little:
money is only one type of capital. ... The path I have chosen
gives me the financial capital I need to live, just like any other
job. However, what I gain in emotional, intellectual, social,
spiritual, and living capital from the living systems I support
enriches me in ways that cannot be quantified (yet!).
»» What major challenges and obstacles have you faced in
your career?
Feeling a bit like the Lone Ranger is inevitable, at times. Our
culture has been slow to heed what many have been saying
for a while now, long before my colleagues and I. What may be
very clear to one person may have to be lovingly explained to
others, because our cultural programming sometimes doesn’t
allow us see the things that are staring us in the face. How can
I embrace change in our transitioning world without losing the
ability to enjoy life’s beauty? Nature lovers have to live with
contradictions like having to climb down from a perfect tree
branch to spend time crunching numbers and preparing a
lecture (as the computer battery dies!).
career like yours?
You simply have to love Mother Earth. Instead of considering
which field to choose for your professional career, think
about whether ecology is something you truly like to do. It’s
about having a cosmology of unity with nature, an ethic of
kindness toward living beings (including oneself), principles
of converting waste into prime materials and challenges into
opportunities, closing cycles and cultivating interrelationships
and symbiosis.
careers in environmental stewardship?
That we especially need to protect social and economic
relationships and structures. Nature can regenerate itself with
little help from us, but social relationships trip us up. In this
regard, I highly recommend Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent
Communication and Charles Eisenstein’s The Ascent of
Humanity and Sacred Economics. These books help keep
us aligned with regeneration paradigms in the social and
economic spheres. I also recommend that people of all ages
(9–90) consider learning about permaculture, because it helps
break apart these concepts and teaches us to be resilient and
stay connected.

27
First, think about what you would do if money didn’t matter.
It’s hard to do, because it involves introspection. But once
you’re clear, then ask for help! Every year, some scholarships
go to waste; between institutions, families, and your own
sweat and effort, I am sure that no one has to go uneducated.
Learning to learn is the most important thing you can do,
because, like it or not, having a college degree is no guarantee
that you’ll find a job.
The Internet can teach us anything we want to learn, so
the most important thing is learning how to do something
and enjoying it. Then we can offer our skills and labor in
exchange for training. Many Latin American governments
offer scholarships to Zamorano, where half of the curriculum
is learning by doing. I also recommend connecting with the
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms network, which
offers agroecological production farm workers shelter, food,
and education in exchange for labor. When the time comes to
look for work, the work experience you’ve gained arms you
with valuable skills and environmental ethics. Gaia University
also teaches us to document and support our learning (and
unlearning) to earn a college degree while we work.
interview?
All that is left to do is thank you sincerely and leave you with
this pearl of wisdom from the master Fukuoka, one of the
great leaders of agriculture for nature: “The primary goal of
agriculture isn’t food production, but rather the cultivation and
perfection of human beings.”
Environmental Management:
Liliana Davila
L
iliana Davila is pursuing a Master’s degree in
environmental management at Yale’s School
of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She has
seven years of international experience in project management and technical as-
sistance on climate change and sustainable development in areas such as Reducing
Emissions and from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), adaptation,
sustainable forest management, climate change action plans, and sustainable
production and consumption. Her areas of expertise include: (1) consulting on
adaptation measures to reduce the risk of rising sea levels and storm frequencies
on vulnerable islands, (2) analyzing alternative visions for sustainable develo-
pment, (3) supporting the Mexican government in the development of a REDD+
national strategy, (4) implementing and managing climate change projects and
showing public policy results, (5) establishing relationships with governments, U.N.
agencies and nongovernmental organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean,
and (6) designing and delivering communications strategies and coordinating
media exposure for projects.
“Knowing how ecosystems and ecological processes work isn’t enough; you also
have to be able to put your knowledge into practice and implement activities
effectively,” says Davila.
»» Our Climate Is Changing and Sustainable Cities for Smart

28
»» What does environmental management entail? Why is
it useful?
Environmental management encompasses aspects of various
environmental and social science disciplines and focuses on
the complex relationships among the sciences, management,
and politics. It provides a scientific understanding of ecological
and social systems for both a political and a management
context. With a Master’s degree in environmental management,
you can work in politics and environmental analysis,
sustainable business, design and planning, conservation
and environmental stewardship, education, consulting, or
journalism.
Environmental science cannot be separated from the social,
economic, and political sciences, like we used to think. It’s
an interdisciplinary subject that tries to make sense of the
complex relationships that exist between society and the
environment. We are slowly realizing that we put the future of
the planet at risk if we continue to view environmental issues
in isolation. We have begun to ask whether our lifestyles and
economic systems affect the availability and state of our natural
resources. We’re unlikely to find answers to environmental
problems if we keep encapsulating them. We need a paradigm
shift in our development as human beings. In that regard,
studying the environment more holistically helps us better
understand how to support ourselves as a society. This isn’t a
fleeting fad. On the contrary, sustainability is a cross-cutting
subject that must be addressed in everything we do.
Was it in school? What made you decide to study
environmental management and work for the environment?
I’ve cared about environmental protection since I was a child.
My interest in environmental issues was probably a natural
response to the influence of my social environment. Living in
Mexico City, which is one of the world’s most highly populated
and polluted cities, I grew up being constantly exposed to high
levels of air pollution, water shortages, and poor quality water.
I felt the need to do something about it. In elementary and
high school, I became involved and participated in activities
such as recycling contests, science fairs, building green homes,
and taking field trips to parks, especially in my senior year. I
took a course in environmental science, and the discussions on
the effects of climate change increased my interest in studying
these issues.
What job opportunities are available in environmental
management?
Working in the environmental sector gives you great leeway
to get involved in various professions at many levels. From
working as a consultant on renewable energies at the national
level, to managing a forest in a protected natural park at
the regional level, to implementing local fishing projects, or
lobbying for international environmental policies to protect
biodiversity. There are a wide variety of job opportunities for
“environmental managers.” The state of our natural resources
demands that professionals take a holistic approach that fits
with the socio-ecological dynamics of our times. The more
people who are thinking about, working on, and influencing
environmental processes, the more effective we will be at
finding solutions to the many complex problems.
»» What major challenges and obstacles have you faced as an
environmental manager?
The biggest challenge environmental managers face is
being able to implement solutions with an interdisciplinary
vision. Finding effective solutions to complex problems takes
having a broad understanding across disciplines. Knowing
how ecosystems and ecological processes work isn’t enough;
you also have to be able to put your knowledge into practice
and implement activities effectively. Is it useful to have
scientific knowledge about how to generate solar power if
effective policies and incentives aren’t in place to support its
implementation? The manager’s role is to have a holistic view
that enables the implementation of effective long-term actions.

29
career like yours?
In addition to having a scientific understanding of social-
ecological systems, environmental managers must have good
leadership and management capabilities to be successful.
Many colleges offer courses in leadership, negotiation, conflict
resolution, and effective communication, which are crucial for
effective managers.
»» What would you tell young people who are interested in careers
in environmental stewardship?
I’d say that they made a great choice! It’s a great career for
people who are dissatisfied with the way we’ve been doing things
and who want to get involved in improving the state of our natural
resources and our society. Environmental managers look for
opportunities to create change and think holistically about how to
implement changes. It’s a career for people who want to fight for
a healthy planetary system, who do not give up easily, and who
have a vision and ideal for building a better world.
»» What types of undergraduate and graduate scholarship
opportunities are available in environmental studies? Which
countries are most advanced in this area and why?
Countries such as Mexico, the United States, Canada, and in
Europe support students in this field, because they place a
high priority on environmental issues. I’m not sure about the
undergraduate level, but at the graduate level there is plenty
of support for students in environmental fields.
In terms of which countries are the most advanced, I think
Europeans are at the forefront on environmental issues, but
developed countries such as Japan, Australia, and the United
States are also well-known for their work in this sector. Some
countries have exhausted their natural resources and have
had to develop mechanisms to restore the damage. In Latin
America, however, several countries—including Mexico, Brazil,
Costa Rica, and Chile—have advanced research and education
capabilities.
interview?
Environmental management is a relatively new field, and
those who practice it continually look for ways to improve
processes. This reflects our society’s evolution. We are slowly
leaving behind the Cartesian approach to studies, and we are
moving toward a comprehensive, holistic vision. Environmental
managers are key players in the search for new development
paradigms, so I would like to extend a broad invitation to
young professionals to join us in this global challenge.
Designer for Reuse:
Angeles Estrada
A
ngeles Estrada has a degree in industrial
design from the University of Buenos Aires. Her
interest in socially responsible design led her
to create Minimahuella (which means “Tiny Footprint”) in 2006, one of Argentina’s
first sustainable design programs.
She has coordinated reuse and recycling projects in collaboration with several
cooperatives and has led workshops on the subject at collection and education cen-
ters. Currently, she heads a consulting firm that provides design, innovation, and
strategic environmental process solutions and products to companies. Her design
work has been exhibited in Buenos Aires, Paris, London, Tokyo, and other cities.
“When I finished school and started working, I realized that my work had to be
about more than just creating new objects to add to the many other useful and
not-so-useful objects that surround us,” says Estrada, referring to how she started
her career.

30
»» Intelligent Consumption and Sustainable Cities for Smart
»» You studied industrial design. When did you become
interested in reusing objects and materials in your designs?
When I finished school and started working, I realized that
my work had to be about more than just creating new objects
to add to the many other useful and not-so-useful objects that
surround us.
My first professional assignment was to create points of sale
and stands. This got me thinking about the “why” of products:
the reasons why they’re created, needed, and used. Right away
I began reusing the most accessible materials at the time (in
2004) as a way to reduce environmental impact.
»» Why reuse?
Everyone can reuse things. Reusing doesn’t require a huge
investment; it just takes some ingenuity and creativity. While
reuse is one alternative, it may not always be the best one,
because we should really try to avoid generating waste in the
first place, instead of looking for a way to use waste after it’s
already here. The good thing about reuse is that it transforms
a discarded item into a new product, taking advantage of
the item’s previous properties. I’m not sure if I’m making
sense; the idea is to add value to a given product, beyond its
original value. Ideally, an item should be kept in its original
form throughout its life cycle to take advantage of all the
production processes that were used to make it.
»» What types of items, things, and materials can be reused at
home?
I can think of many! The first that come to mind are
packages, such as shampoo and detergent bottles or food
packaging. Any of these objects can be transformed into
containers, flowerpots, lamps, or even hydroponic gardens. The
possibilities are endless, depending only on one’s creativity.
Reuse gives an item was destined for the garbage a second
life.
»» What is required to create a culture of reuse in Latin
American and Caribbean homes?
Primarily awareness. Education is the only way to reach
people at home. Children (who can be spokespeople!) and
women can be taught how to separate trash by its origin and
consider the extensive possibilities for its reuse. Things that
have been made by reusing items don’t have to look reused.
You can transform items in ways that make it very difficult to
detect their origin, and this pleasantly surprises people.
»» Is there a market for products made from reused materials or
items? Don’t people prefer to buy “new” things?
When we first started, we had to explain what we meant to
people. But today, people understand what it means to reuse
things, although they often confuse it with recycling. The
market has grown, and more innovative products are being
developed.
As I said earlier, reuse is one alternative, but it is not the best
one. It’s essential to consider each material’s relevance when
creating a product as well as the item’s life cycle. Reuse has
become a fad, and that is dangerous. We need to work at
making it more of a tradition than a fad. Also, people often
think that because we’re using waste materials, the products
should be cheaper. We need to explain to consumers that this
isn’t always the case.
»» Do you think instilling a culture of reuse would make it
possible to have zero waste in Latin America and the
Caribbean?
The culture of reuse is not a solution in itself, but it may
be a step in the right direction. It can help us reduce waste;
but to achieve zero waste, consumers must consciously take
responsibility for their consumption.

31
»» How can be done to make people more mindful of their
consumption, when the marketplace, advertising, and society
constantly pressure us into buying things?
We have to educate consumers and help them understand
the need to be mindful. We also have to make companies
understand that their waste comes at a cost and that they
must take responsibility for the consequences.
»» Do you share any experiences and results you’ve had
promoting reuse in a community?
Yes, we work with a cardboard cooperative to make products
using recycled cardboard. The impact on the community has
been very good. The products have been widely accepted by
consumers, and the producers (of the cardboard) are very
proud of their work.
career like yours?
You have to have a lot of conviction! When you have a solid
belief in what you stand for, you can be happy even when the
journey is long and complex, because you are being true to
your principles.
would you suggest to them? What opportunities are available
in education and in the workplace?
I think there are many opportunities for them to reuse
materials to make products and transform their work into a
social enterprise. You don’t need a professional degree to do
this; all you need is ingenuity and creativity and a willingness
to work. Research readily available materials, find out their
characteristics, and think about what they can be transformed
into.
»» Is there anything else you’d like to say to encourage young
people to consider a career in environmental stewardship?
I think that today practicing environmental stewardship is a
differentiating professional trait, but tomorrow this trait will be
shared by all professionals. We can’t keep pretending that our
actions don’t have any environmental impact. Before now we
have been able to look the other way, but today we have so
much more information, and natural events are clearly showing
us the importance of considering this impact; in a few years,
we won’t be able to ignore it any longer. It just makes sense
to be in the forefront and to start working in this area now, to
prepare and become trained.

32
Further reading and viewing
“Ted Talks” are ideas worth spreading. The ones listed below
are all relevant to the themes of IDB’s Rise Up Against
Climate Change. Look for them at www.ted.com/talks.
»» Innovator Bill Strickland changes a neighborhood with
a slide show. This very inspiring talk demonstrates that
determination makes dreams come true. It also shows
how having a plan and an overall picture of what we can
do together builds healthier societies.
»» Taylor Wilson’s radical plan for small nuclear fission
reactors. When he was only 14 years old, Taylor Wilson
built an electricity-generating nuclear reactor that
offers significant advantages compared to other nuclear
power plants operating around the world today. In this
video, filmed when he was 19 years old, he explains how
his reactor works and how it is safer than other reactors
as well as more efficient and more environmentally
friendly.
»» Eben Bayer: Are mushrooms the new plastic?
Green designer Eben Bayer demonstrates how he has
used mushrooms to create a packaging material that is
much more environmentally friendly than plastic.

33
»» Alex Laskey: How behavioral science can lower your
energy bill
In this talk, energy software maker Alex Laskey
discusses how using behavioral science can change
peoples’ attitudes toward environmental protection.
It provides an interesting approach for psychologists,
sociologists, and other professionals who have an
interest in sustainable development and adaptation.
»» Tim Jackson: An economic reality check
Economist Tim Jackson encourages us to think about a
new economy that reevaluates our lifestyle and social
values and our relationship with the environment.
»» Rachel Botsman: The case for collaborative
consumption
In this talk, innovator Rachel Botsman encourages us
to think about how we consume goods and offers an
alternative to traditional consumption that is more
environmentally responsible, strengthens our social
networks, and improves our buying habits.
»» Alex Steffen: The shareable future of cities
This talk from planetary futurist Alex Steffen teaches us
how to develop sustainable cities. It presents projects
with big ideas from around the world.
»» Ludwick Marishane: A bath without water
In response to the water shortage on his continent,
a young African entrepreneur, Ludwick Marishane,
invented a product that lets people bathe without water.
»» Fahad Al-Attiya: A country with no water
Qatar food security expert Fahad Al-Attiya shows how
his country has grown in the midst of a water shortage
by taking climate change and food security into account
and developing its cities sustainably. He discusses the
role of planning and public policy in the sustainable
development process.
»» Saul Griffith: High-altitude wind energy from kites!
Engineer Saul Griffith demonstrates his great invention,
which transforms wind energy into electricity by using
a large kite.
»» Josette Sheeran: Ending hunger now
Josette Sheeran, executive director of the United
Nations World Food Programme, urges us to learn
about the realities of today’s world and to use this
knowledge in decision making. She discusses food
security as well as worldwide hunger and the use of
technology to circumvent it.
»» Birke Baehr: What’s wrong with our food system?
Filmed when he was 11, Birke Baehr discusses food
security and food sovereignty, analyzes food
systems in developed and developing countries, and
encourages us to consume organic foods.

Emma Näslund-Hadley, María Clara Ramos, Juan Paredes,
Ángela Bolívar, and Gustavo Wilches-Chaux
People Committed to Fight
Climate Change
Lesson Plans for Children and Youth
Rise Up Against Climate Change!
A school-centered educational initiative
of the Inter-American Development Bank
2016

People committed-to-fight-climate-change

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